By Mally (20/05/03)
May 20 2003

Newcastle Falcons held their annual End of Season Awards dinner last night, players, staff and supporters gathered to look back at the turbulent 2002 - 2003 season. This last season has been something of an epic, starting the season in reasonably good form, before being hit by injuries and a run of poor form which anchored Newcastle Falcons to the bottom of the table.

Player of the Year

While it had not been a season most fans would like to repeat their have been some highlights and a few things to celebrate along the way. In past seasons Newcastle Falcons have been widely regarded as a team with a great set of backs, but a weaker pack. However under the guidance of new coach Andrew Blades the Falcons' pack has emerged as a real force, with prop Ian Peel being named Player of the Year.

Ian has been something of a revelation this season, working hard and even scoring two tries against Treviso back in December. As Rob Andrew said:

"Ian Peel has had a great season and he has really earned his Player of the Year accolade."

Players' Player

Unsurprisingly Jamie Noon was named as the Players' Player of the Year. Described by Rob Andrew as "an incredibly valuable player", a comment the majority of Falcons fans would agree with. Jamie Noon has been superb all season and is Newcastle Falcons highest try scorer this season with 7 Zurich Premiership tries.

Commenting on the season Rob Andrew said:

"It has been a difficult season, which has seen the players really pull together when times were tough. We have ended the season on a high note and we can continue to look forward and to build on the success we have had towards the end of the season."

"I would like to congratulate our winners, but also extend that congratulations to every single player in the team. Each player has made a significant contribution to the team's success and I'd like to thank them, on behalf of the fans, for giving us some spectacular games to watch."

Try of the season went to Michael Stephenson for his try against Saracens on May 4th and Ben Woods won the U21s Player of the Year award. Special awards went to Dr George Douglas on his retirement and to the Academy Director Paul Mackinnon, who is returning to his native New Zealand. Paul was responsible for bringing several players, including Jamie Noon, to Newcastle.

The Award list included:

Player of the Year - Ian Peel
Try of the Year - Michael Stephenson - Newcastle vs. Saracens 4th May (Home)
Player's Player of the Year - Jamie Noon
Community programme - Dave Walder
Club Man of the Year - Kingsley Hyland
Special Award - Dr George Douglas (on his retirement)
Special Award - Paul Mackinnon - Academy Director
U21 Player of the Year - Ben Woods

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All photographs courtesy of Newcastle Falcons.